PARTNERS 



>S 3505 
0548 
>3 

L917 
Jopy l -OR- 

^ailding the Community 
Church 



BY 

ESTELLE COOK 



SOCIAL SERVICE BUREAU 

1361 Cleveland Ave. N. St. Paul, Minn. 



^V PARTNERS 

— OR — 

Building the Community 
Church 

"Let us work together as partners to make this life 
better worth living every day in the week, for every 
man, woman, and child in the community." 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Mr. Bennett, pastor of one church 

Mrs. Bennett, his wife 

John, his young son. 

Mary, his daughter 

Mr. Schmitt, deacon in the rival church 

Fred, his young son 

Ralph Price, graduate of the School of Agriculture 

Susan Riggs, seamstress and news distributer 

ACT I 

A boys' shack on Sunday morning 

ACT II 
At the parsonage the next day 

ACT III 
A room in the new Community Church, 
three years later 



Copyright 1917 

BY 

The Author 



PARTNERS 



OR 



Building the Community Church 



Scene, a boys' shack back of the parsonage and near the 
church. A window left C, a door R. Walls decorated with 
sporting page pictures. Kites, baseball clubs, sleds, and other 
boys' playthings are scattered about. A barrel and a large box 
L. The bell tolls for Sunday School. John and Fred are discov- 
ered sitting on boxes, playing cards on a keg C. 

John. Say, kid, what game shall we play? 

Fred. Poker, of course. But you don't think you can play 
before you know the names of the cards, do you? You've got 
to learn them first. 

John. Where did you learn them? Your dad don't believe 
in card playing any more than mine does. 

Fred. Nope, but Bud plays. He learned of some of the guys. 
Sometimes nights when pa and ma have gone to bed, I sneak into 
his room, and we play. It's bully fun. There is a bunch of the 
guys meets on Thursday night in the room back of Peter's store. 
They play for money, too. 

John. Does Bud play with them? 

Fred. Sure thing. Dad's gone to prayer meeting, so he don't 
know anything about it. Bud is going to learn me to play so 
good that we can clean out the whole bunch. 

John. Jimminy ! That will be great. Go ahead and tell me 
the names of the cards. 

Fred (showing card). This here one with a red heart on it is 
called the ace of hearts, see. 

John. It looks like a valentine. Why do they call it ace? 

Fred. I dunno. They just call it ace, that's why. One spot 
is always ace; (showing cards) ace of hearts, ace of diamonds, 
ace of — (noise outside) What's that? 

John. Hide the cards, quick! (going to window). Sounds 
like someone coming. Na, it's only old Jed Taylor going to Sun- 
day School. He is trying to crank up his Ford. 

Fred. Did you ever hear how he got that old flivver? 

John. No. How? 

Fred. He traded Bill Jepson an old wagon, two bags of pota- 
toes, and a white rooster for it. I guess Bill thought it would 



MAY 28 I9I7® 010 46983 
*U.6 / . 



PARTNERS 3 

never run any more. Jed is pretty smart Pa says no one will 
get the best of him. He fixed it up, and is running it all the 
time. 

John {Coming back to his seat). He got it started, all right. 

Fred. You know that big mud hole in front of his house. 
When pa was road master, he tried to get Jed to fix it, but he 
wouldn't. Pa found out the reason. When a big car gets stuck 
there, he just brings out his old Ford and pulls it out. He 
charged a man from St. Paul five dollars for pulling out his 
Cadillac. I wonder why he goes to Sunday School? Why does 
anyone go ? It ain't no fun. 

John. You can bet it's fun for him. He has a chance to 
stand up in front and tell the rest of the guys what they "ort to 
do." I like the singing all right, but I hate the lesson study Miss 
Perkins gives us, and the blamed verses she makes us say by 
heart. 

Fred. Ain't you glad we cut today? 

John. You just bet I am. Let's cut every time. We'll learn 
to smoke and play cards, and soon they'll think we're so tough 
they won't want us to come to Sunday School any more. Did 
you bring the pipe? 

Fred. Yep, here it is {producing an old black pipe). I had 
a hard time to sinch it. But last night the hired man went to 
see his best girl and hung his old coat in the wash room. I 
nabbed his pipe, all right. I'll bet he's looking for it today. 

John. Here is the tobacco. You light up while I smoke one 
of these. {Exhibits cigarettes.) This is the way. {Lights 
match. Fred tries to smoke but chokes.) Now there sure is 
someone coming. Great guns, it's Sis ! Hide the pipe and the 
cards, quick! 

{Enter Mary) 

Mary. What are you poking off here for? Don't you know 
it's time for Sunday School? How do you do, Fred? 

Fred. Hello, Mary. 

Mary. What are you two pals up to anyway? You look as 
if it were some mischief. 

John. We're just hanging round, loafing, see? {Boys ex- 
change glances.) 

Mary. You'd better go and get ready for Sunday School. 

John. Naw, I ain't going to Sunday School today. 

Fred. We're taking a vacation. (Boys laugh.) 

Mary. Pa won't like it if you aren't there. You know what 
he says, John. 

John. You bet I do. I've heard it often enough to know it 
by heart. ( Imitating) "Don't you ever forget, my son, that your 
father is the minister and you are expected to be an example to 
other boys." I'm getting pretty darned tired of it. (Kicks box.) 

Mary. Why, John! 
t John. What's the use of Sunday School, anyway? Old Lady 
Perkins gets up and tells us kids in the class that we (imitating) 



4 PARTNERS 

"must be good children if we want to be happy," and a lot of such 
stuff. 

Mary. You shouldn't talk that way about Mrs. Perkins. 

John. She's an old hen, you know ma said so, too. She's 
always raising a rumpus in the church. Anyway, I don't want to 
be a good boy. I want to be a baseball pitcher or a cow boy. Old 
Lady Perkins don't know anything about what makes boys happy. 
She's too old. 

Fred. Guess no woman knows what us guys want. They've 
never been kids. 

Mary. You're right, laddie. But come, John, won't you go 
to please father? 

John {rising). I told you I wasn't going, and I mean it. I'm 
sick and tired of it. Now if we could have a teacher like that 
scout master from St. Paul, I'd like to go every Sunday, you bet. 
I just wish you could have heard him, he was bully. But to have 
to sit and listen to Old Lady Perkins ! Great Scott ! It's lots 
more fun to stay home and read Nick Carter. 

Mary. So, that's what you are doing. John, I'm ashamed of 
you. I've half a notion to tell mother. 

Fred (rising). Mary, you wouldn't do that, — tell on John. 

Mary. You ought to be in your Sunday School, too. What 
will your father say? 

Fred. I don't know what he'll say, but I know there will be 
a peach of a row all right. 

Mary. Don't you think that you'd better run along to your 
school and let John go to his before it is too late? 

John. Chase yourself, Sis; we aren't going, so what's the 
use of standing round chinning about it any longer ? 

Mary. You know very well there'll be trouble. 

John. If you tell on us, I'll tell pa what I saw you and Ralph 
Price doing on the front steps last night. 

Mary. John, keep still. You didn't see us doing anything. 

John. Huh, — just holding hands (imitates her holding 
Fred's hand) . That's all. Gee ! 

Mary. We weren't either. Don't you dare tell anyone that 
you saw us holding hands. Good-bye. 

(Exit Mary R.) 

John (laughing). Got rid of her, all right. Say, but I like 
to tease Sis. 

Fred. Will she give us away? 

John. No, Sis is a good scout. She likes Ralph pretty well, 
and he likes her too, but the old man doesn't want him hanging 
around Sis. 

Fred. Why? Ralph is O. K. Don't you remember how we 
used to see his name in the paper playing football and basket- 
ball up at school ? 

John. Sure. But he is a farmer, and ma don't want her 
to marry a farmer. 

Fred. But he's a graduate of the School of Agriculture. 



PARTNERS 5 

John. He's a farmer just the same. Then, too, he's a mem- 
ber of the other church. That queers him. 

Mrs. Bennett {calling). Johnny, Johnny. Oh, John. 

John. That's ma. Gee, we got to duck. (Boys hide.) 

Mrs. Bennett (nearer). Johnny, Johnny, come, — it's time 
for Sunday School. 

(Enter Mrs. Bennett carrying a hair brush in one hand, and a 
collar and tie in the other. She looks around.) 

(Exit Mrs. Bennett, L.) 

John (coming out). If we're looking for trouble I guess 
we'll find it all right. Let's run away. 

Fred. Where'll we go? 

John. We can go to St. Paul. Then after we get there we 
could earn some) money and go out west and be cow boys like 
those we saw in the movies. 

Fred. If we went to Minneapolis, we could see the Millers 
play. Gosh, wouldn't you like to see (noted pitcher) pitch a 
game once? 

John. You bet I would. 

Fred. But how'd we get the money? 

John. That's the rub. How much have you got? 

Fred. I've got a dollar in my pig bank, a nickel and two 
pennies. 

John. I haven't got that much. I spent the money pa allows 
me for that baseball outfit. 

Fred. Maybe we can earn some. 

John. Great Scott, how? 

Fred. I don't know. I just said "maybe." 

John. You know blamed well there's no way to earn money 
round here. Now if we "were in Minneapolis, we could sell papers 
or be messengers and earn lots of money. 

Fred. If we could only get to Minneapolis. 

John. I've thought of a way (hesitating) . 

Fred. What is it? 

John. Today is missionary collection Sunday. Dad told me 
to be sure and .put some money on the plate. 

Fred. Well, what of that? I don't see — 

John. Of course you don't. I know where the old man keeps 
the missionary money — 

Fred. Gosh, You don't mean to swipe the church money? 

John. Naw, we needn't do that. We can just borrow some, — 
enough to take us to Minneapolis, and when we get there we'll 
earn a whole lot of money, and then we'll return what we've 
taken. 

Fred. Would that be honest? 

John. Sure, why not? 

Fred. You're the preacher's son ; you ought to know. When'll 
we do it? 



6 PARTNERS 

John. Let's do it tonight. There'll be an awful row because 
we cut Sunday School. 

Fred. The train don't run on Sunday. 

John. Tomorrow night, then. We'll walk over to the junc- 
tion and take the flyer. It goes through at four o'clock. 

John. But say, dad may lock the drawer ; he sometimes does. 

Fred. Good night! I thought you were going to do some- 
thing. Now it's all off. (Sits on box.) 

John. No, it ain't either. 

Fred. Why ? 

John. We'll just sneak into the house, while they are at Sun- 
day School and cop the key. 

Fred. How can we ? Like as not it is in your father's pocket. 

John. Not on your life. I saw it sticking in the drawer 
after he had gone. 

Fred. Well, if we take it, won't he expect us? 

John (laughing). You mean "suspect," kid. Na, he never 
knows where he puts it. 

Mary (outside). John, father knows where you are. 

John. We must beat it quick. Come ! The window ! 

(Exeunt John and Fred through window.) 

Mary (outside). He sent me to get you. 
(Enter Mary, R.) 
(She looks around room.) 
(Enter Ralph Price, R.) 

Mary (turning). Why, Ralph, I thought you were John. 

Ralph. Good morning Mary. I saw you cutting across the 
yard and — 

Mary (interrupting) . And you followed me, now didn't you ? 

Ralph. Sure thing. I wanted to see you. You know it has 
been an awfully long time — 

Mary (laughing) . Yes, was it ten-thirty or eleven when you 
left last night? 

Ralph. Mary, please be serious. 

Mary (coming dozen L.). I'm more than serious, Ralph, I 
am in trouble. 

Ralph (following her). Trouble? What about? (Ten- 
derly.) Won't you tell me? 

Mary. I am terribly worried about John. He is getting into 
bad company. Today he is cutting Sunday School. I found him 
here with that Schmitt boy. When I came in, I saw Fred hid- 
ing a deck of cards, and I could smell tobacco smoke. He 
wouldn't mind me when I told him to go to school. 

Ralph. John is getting to be a pretty big boy. 

Mary. Father missed him and sent me to get him. Now he's 
gone. 

Ralph. Too bad. It is mighty hard to keep the boys inter- 
ested in church and Sunday School when they reach John's age. 



PARTNERS 7 

Mary. Can't you help us? I know that you belong to the 
other church, but — 

Ralph. You may count on my doing what I can. I have 
been thinking of starting something for the boys, a band of 
Scouts or a baseball team. 

Mary. Good ! That would get them interested. 

Ralph. That's the point. Boys must have competitive games. 
That is why they sneak off on Sunday morning and play cards 
instead of going to school. I wish that we could build a gym- 
nasium. 

Mary. We can't, we're too poor. 

Ralph. Not on your life ! The farmers could have all kinds 
of money if they would only do the right kind of farming, and 
would co-operate in marketing their products. 

Mary. Your hobby again. Go talk gymnasium to them, and 
they will tell you that they can give their boys all the exercise 
they need in the fields. But I must go back now. 

Ralph. Don't get discouraged. I'll surely start something 
for the boys. 

Mary. Oh, Ralph, I am so glad that you are home. I missed 
you when you were away at school ; I had no one to go to with 
my troubles. 

Ralph. It's a joy to share your troubles, dear. Do you 
know, Mary {taking her hand), you are the best little pal that 
a fellow ever had? When I get that farm — 

Mary {interrupting). We mustn't cut Sunday School, too. 
I saw Susan Riggs watching me as I came out. She'll have all 
kinds of things to say about me if I am not back to give the 
Sec. report. 

Ralph. I must go too. Somehow I forget all about other 
things when I am with you. 

Mary. I didn't realize that I had such an awful influence on 
my friends. 

Ralph {starting to exit). Susan Riggs! "Speak of the 
d " 

Mary. Finish the quotation. I won't be shocked. Do you 
think she saw us? Can't we hide somewhere? {Looking 
around.) Let's jump out of the window. 

Ralph. No, we'll stand our ground. 

{Enter Susan Riggs, R.) 

Susan. Well, of all things ! 

Ralph. We are looking for Mary's brother, John. You 
didn't happen to see him around anywhere, did you, Miss Riggs ? 

Susan. If he was Doc Spangler's rat-terrier pup, you'd 
have found him by this time. You haven't been lookin' very 
hard. 

Mary. I must go, Ralph. Good-bye. 
{Exit Mary, R.) 

Susan. Huh ! Didn't relish being caught. 

Ralph. No one is crazy about being treated as if they are 



8 PARTNERS 

doing wrong when they are not. Mr. Bennett sent Mary to find 
her brother. If you don't believe it you can ask him. 

Susan. Seems to me you and Mary are gettin' pretty thick. 

Ralph. Mary is the kind of girl that any fellow would be 
glad to claim as a friend. But I was on my way to Sunday 
School, so you must excuse me. Good day, Miss Riggs. 

{Exit Ralph, R.) 

(John appears at window, seeing Susan, he ducks. Susan 
examines the pictures, baseball outfit and other things.) 

Susan. Huh ! Spending good money for such fool things. 

(Exit Susan, R.) 
(Enter John and Fred, window.) 

Fred. She nearly caught us that time. 

John (holding up the key). We've got the key, all right. 
The next thing is to cop the cash. 

Fred. Say, do you know I feel awfully funny. 

John. Where? 

Fred. Here (indicating stomach). 

John. Maybe that pipe is too strong. I've heard that some 
people get sick when they learn to smoke. 

Fred. I've got an awful pain here, and I feel sick all the 
way up. (Groans.) Do you think it will kill me? 

John. Great Scott! no. You'll be all right soon. Say, we 
forgot to drink this (taking out bottle of ginger ale). You know 
we're going to pretend this is whiskey. 

Fred. Oh, dear ! 

John. Just think of it, kid — cards, whiskey, smoking — Gee! 
but we're tough. What would old Jed Taylor say if he'd see us? 

Fred. He'd say that we were on the high road to hell, all 
right. (Groans.) 

John. Drink some of this. Maybe it will cure you (handing 
him the bottle). Here's looking at you! 

Fred (taking a drink). Oh, good night! Oh! (Doubles up 
on the Hoor.) Oh! oh! 

John. Brace up, kid. Be a sport. 

Fred (groaning) . Oh, I'm going to die. I know I'm going 
to die. Oh, Jimminy, — oh my, — oh ! 

John. How do you feel? 

Fred. Sick, darn you. Didn't I tell you I was going to die? 
Oh, I know I'll die. Oh! 

John. Ah, cut it out. 

Fred. Shut up ! Don't speak to me ! Oh, if I could only die 
quick. (Groans.) You don't know how awfully I'm suffering. 

John. Maybe I'd better go for the doctor. 

Fred. Don't stand there like a boob looking at me. Do some- 
thing blamed quick before I die. Oh, — oh ! oh ! 

(Enter Mr. Bennett, R.) 



PARTNERS 9 

Mr. Bennett. What is the matter here? 

John {frightened) . Fred's sick, and I'm going for the doctor. 

Mr. Bennett. Not so fast, my son. Wait a minute. {Pick- 
ing up pipe.) Where did you get this? 

John. From Jerry, the hired man. 

Mr. Bennett. Has Fred been smoking it? 

John. A little. 

Fred. Oh, Mr. Bennett, can't you pray for me, I'm going to 
die. Oh, I know I'm going to die. 

Mr. Bennett. Yes, I'll pray for you, but you need to be 
horse-whipped first {picking up bottle.) What is this? 

John. Only ginger ale. 

Mr. Bennett. It's good for you, young man, that it is only 
ginger ale. 

Fred. Ain't you going to do something for me? I can't 
stand it much longer. Oh! Oh! {Groans.) 

Mr. Bennett {picking up cards). Cards! I'll be jiggered! 
So this is what you young rascals are up to instead of going to 
Sabbath School. 

John. We were just having a little fun, Dad, — just trying 
to be sports. 

Mr. Bennett. So that is it. Huh. 

Fred. Good gracious ! Can't you do something to help me ? 

Mr. Bennett. Fred is having his fun, all right. I'll do 
something to help you, young man, and that mighty quick. I 
saw your father just driving into town. I'll see what he has to 
say about this. 

John. Oh, Dad, don't call him, please don't. 

Mr. Bennett. So this is what my son is doing while I am 
working so hard to convert others to a better life. My son, 
who should be an example to other children, drinking, smok- 
ing, playing cards, when he ought to be in Sabbath School. I 
would not have believed it if my eyes had not witnessed it. I'll 
get his father. 

{Exit Mr. Bennett, R.) 

John {pulling him). Fred, we must cut it and run. He's 
gone for your father. 

Fred. I can't move. I'm too sick. {Groans.) 

John {shaking him). You've got to come. 

Fred. Leave me alone, darn you, I can't, I tell you. {Rolls 
over and groans.) 

John. Baby, I've half a mind to run away and leave you ; 
but I guess I'd better not. 

{Enter Mr. Bennett and Mr. Schmitt, R.) 

Mr. Schmitt. Vare is the poy? {Discovering Fred.) Vat 
is de matter, Fred? 

Fred. Oh, Dad, I'm awful sick! 

Mr. Schmitt. Vhere? 

Fred {indicating stomach). Here. 



10 PARTNERS 

Mr. Schmitt. Did you eat somedings that doesn't set veil 
on your stummick? 

Fred {groans). 

Mr. Schmitt. Come, I'll take you home. 

Mr. Bennett (to John). I guess I had better take you home 
too. I'll first dispose of these. (Begins destroying cards.) 

Mr. Schmitt. Whose cards are those? 

John. They're Fred's. Pa, you have no right to destroy 
them. 

Mr. Schmitt. Fred's ?_ My poy's? That's a lie. My poy 
never had a back of gards in his life. I don't allow it. 

Mr. Bennett. Perhaps you don't allow your boy to smoke, 
either. 

Mr. Schmitt. I should say not. My poy has been garefully 
raised. I've always trained him in the vay he should go. 

Mr. Bennett. How about this? (holding up pipe). Taken 
from the pocket of your hired man, Jerry. 

Mr. Schmitt (looking first at pipe and then at Fred). Do 
you mean to tell me that my son has been schmoking that dirty 
old bipe? 

Mr. Bennett. He seems to be showing the effects of it, 
(Fred groans.) Ask him, Deacon. 

Mr. Schmitt. Fred, have you been schmoking that old bipe 
of Jerry's? 

Fred. Yes, father, but I never want to do it again. (Groans.) 

Mr. Schmitt (examining bottles). Ginger ale, thank Heaven 
for that. I'm glad it is nodings vorse. But it is pad enough, — 
pad enough. This is what comes from running mit pad com- 
panies. 

Mr. Bennett. I beg your pardon, Mr. Schmitt, but are you 
referring to my son?. 

Mr. Schmitt. Yes, I am. See what he has let my poy into. 
Instead of going to Sunday School on Sunday morning, as I 
have learned him to do since he vas an infant in arms, I finds 
him here drinking unt schmoking unt playing mit cards mit your 
young imp of a poy. I tells you it's ruining my Fred to run mit 
such poys as, that von. (Pointing to John.) 

John. Dad, I think we'd better beat it. 

Mr. Bennett. No, I am not going until we come to an un- 
derstanding in this matter. It's bad business, I know, but I 
won't have my boy blamed for more than his share in it. Whose 
pipe did you say this is, Fred? 

Fred. It's Jerry's, and it made me awful sick. 

Mr. Schmitt. How did you get it? 

Fred. I took it out of the pocket when his coat was hang- 
ing in the wash room. 

Mr. Bennett. See? 

Mr. Schmitt. Vat did you do it for? I s'pose that this 
young imp told you to. 

Fred. We wanted to be like men and smoke. 



PARTNERS 11 

Mr. Schmitt. It didn't make your John sick. I s'pose he is 
used to schmoking mit a pipe. 

John. I didn't smoke a pipe. 

Mr. Bennett. What did you smoke? Out with it. 

John {showing cigarettes). These. 

Mr. Bennett. You see how the matter stands, Mr. Schmitt. 
Your boy steals a pipe and brings a pack of cards here. Then 
he tempts my son to come here, when he should be in Sabbath 
School, to smoke and drink and play his cards with him. Then 
you accuse my boy of ruining Fred. 

Mr. Schmitt. If you chust keep your poy vere he pelongs, 
I von't have any troubles mit my kid, I say. I can make him 
pehave ven he ain't mit your poy. 

Mr. Bennett. I tell you — 

Mr. Schmitt. I know what I'm talking about. 

Mr. Bennett {growing angry). My boy — 

Mr. Schmitt {interrupting) . Your poy is no good. He ain't 
been raised right. 

Mr. Bennett. He has been raised just as carefully — 

Mr. Schmitt. He's a pad lot. He makes my poy to disobey 
me. 

Mr. Bennett. What about your boy's influence on my son? 

John. Oh, Dad, what's the use of scrapping? Cut it out, 
Ralph Price is coming. 

Mr. Bennett. We must come to an understanding — 

I {Enter Ralph Price, R.) 

Ralph. Good morning, Mr. Bennett. Miss Riggs told me 
that she saw you coming here, so I followed you. 

Mr. Bennett. Yes, I left the school for a few minutes. Good 
morning. 

Ralph. How do you do, Deacon. I suppose that you are 
just on your way to Sunday School. {Shakes hands.) 

Mr. Schmitt. How do you do? 

Ralph. If you have time, Mr. Bennett, I would like to talk 
over with you a plan which I am working on for the betterment 
of our community life here. 

Mr. Bennett. I am vitally interested in any plan that will 
help in bettering this town. 

Ralph. Good, I am glad that you are here, too, Deacon. We 
can talk it over together. But what's the matter with Fred ? He 
doesn't look very well. 

Fred. I'm awful sick, Ralph. 

Ralph. What seems to be the matter? 

Mr. Schmitt {holding up pipe). This. 

Ralph. Oh (looking round), I understand. 

Mr. Schmitt. Some of the infernal influences of this town 
vich you vant to make better. 

Mr. Bennett. It needs it all right. 

John. You think you are going to make us better by making 



12 PARTNERS 

us go to Sunday School? {Defiantly), I hate the place, I hate 
the lessons, and when I get to be a man, I ain't never going. 

Mr. Bennett. My son, keep still. We'll discuss that later. 

Ralph. If you have time, Mr. Bennett, I would like to dis- 
cuss it now. Don't you think it would be well to begin with the 
boys? 

Mr. Schmitt. Dat's de ting, begin mit de poys {pointing to 
John). Begin mit dat one, ya. 

Ralph. Why did we want to learn to smoke when we were 
like these boys? Wasn't it because we saw men smoking, and 
we wanted to be like them? 

Both. Yes. {Schmitt scratches his head thoughtfully and 
nods.) 

Ralph. As boys want to be like men, let's keep them inter- 
ested in the church by giving to each a man's job, giving them 
something worth while to do. 

Mr. Bennett. That sounds very well, but do you have any 
definite plans? 

* Ralph. Hosts of them. I want first to give them a chance to 
play games without sneaking off on Sunday morning. We should 
have a good baseball team and a well equipped gymnasium. 

Mr. Schmitt. Do you vant to spend more money? Don't 
you know it is hard now to struggle along and keep our heads 
above de vatter? 

Ralph. We could afford it all right if the two churches 
would unite and pull together. Why should this- little town try 
to run two churches, anyway? We agree perfectly well on all 
of the essential points. May I ask, Mr. Bennett, what you hold 
to be the fundamental truth in your church? 

Mr. Bennett {thoughtfully). I should say the great com- 
mandment, "Love the Lord God with all thy heart, soul and 
strength, and thy neighbor as thyself." «► 

Ralph {to Mr. Schmitt). Isn't that what we are working 
for up in the Stone Church? I often think, though, that we do 
not live up to the last part of it. 

Mr. Schmitt. Vat do you mean, Ralph? 

Ralph. Are we doing as much for those around as we 
might? I mean those outside of the church. Why is it that so 
many of our young people are flocking to the city to work in 
factories and stores? 

Mr. Bennett. Principally, I believe, to have what they call a 
good time, to go to plays, moving pictures, and other shows. 

Ralph. Then why not give them a good time right here? 
We could have in connection with our church a big room for 
parties, concerts, plays, moving pictures. Why can't we work 
together as partners to make this life better, worth living, every 
day in the week for every man, woman and child, in the com- 
munity ? 

Mr. Schmitt. Shows! Moving pictures! Bah! Dat's all 
bosh. If dat's vat they learn you at the School of Agriculture, 



PARTNERS 13 

it's better you stay home unt help your fader on de farm. Come 
Fred, you and I vill have a settlement later. 

(The children at Sunday School sing "Blest Be the Tie that 
Binds!' Mr. Schmitt helps Fred to his feet.) 

(Exeunt Mr. Schmitt and Fred, R.) 

Ralph. Surely, Mr. Bennett, you believe what I say is true. 
We must work together to improve the civic, social and spiritual 
life here. 

Mr. Bennett. There may be a little grain of truth in what 
you say. I doubt very much, if it can be done. (Bell tolls for 
service.) I must go back now for service. I'll think it over. 
(Exit Mr. Bennett, R.) 

John. Ah, shucks, Ralph. Don't you see that the Lord him- 
self couldn't tell these people anything? There is nothing in it 
for us kids but to beat it. 

Ralph (putting hand on John's shoulder). Don't you ever 
believe it. We are going to play this game to a finish. We'll win 
out yet. We are going to have the right kind o.f a church in this 
town if I have to turn preacher. 

John. Preacher ! Good night ! I thought you were going 
to do something. Preacher ! 

(Exit Fred, R.) 

(Curtain) 



ACT II 

Scene, the grounds of the parsonage. House R., tree with 
bench L. A large box for tools at back of stage. Mrs. Bennett 
discovered sitting on a garden bench or chair R., trimming an 
old hat. A work basket near. 

(Enter Susan Riggs, L.) 

Susan (sitting down and fanning herself with her hat). Good 
evening, Mrs. Bennett. My, but this has been a dreadfully hot 
day. 

Mrs. Bennett. Yes, indeed ! You look warm, Susan. 

Susan. I feel like I look. I've been making over Mrs. 
Boardman's winter suit for next year. I thought I'd melt work- 
ing on that dirty, woolly stuff this hot day. I should think she 
would get new material once in a while. 

Mrs. Bennett. Perhaps she can't afford it. 

Susan. Don't you ever think it. Lela Boardman has got 
money in the bank in her own name. She's not poor, just close, 
"close as the bark on the tree," as the sayin' is. When she puts 
down her stingy little subscription to missionary society, it just 
makes me sick. 



14 PARTNERS 

Mrs. Bennett. No doubt she gives all that she thinks she 
can afford. We can't decide those matters for others, you know. 

Susan. Well, I know very well that she can afford to give 
more than she does. Here I am a poor working girl, without 
any man to depend on, earnin' my money with my needle, and I 
can afford to give two dollars a year to support missions, one to 
Home and one to Foreign. 

Mrs. Bennett. You are very generous, Susan. It's always 
a satisfaction to both Mr. Bennett and me that you take such 
an interest in the work of the church. 

Susan. I'm glad that red-headed preacher has left the Stone 
Church. I wonder who they'll get now for a minister. They're 
always quarreling in that church. They never can keep a 
preacher. 

Mrs. Bennett. I was told that he left because he couldn't 
afford to live on the salary they paid him. I never heard that 
he was dissatisfied with the congregation. 

Susan. Well, he's gone, anyway, and I wonder who they will 
get next. Mrs. Preston was talkin' to me about it when I was 
over makin' her black silk dress, and she says that young Ralph 
Price is tryin' to run everything since he came home from the 
School of Agriculture. 

Mrs. Bennett. In the church? 

Susan. Yes, in the church. He ain't content with turnin' 
his father's farm upside down and inside out, but he's got to in- 
terfere with the runnin' of the church. He wants to turn it into 
a "community center" he says, whatever that is. 

Mrs. Bennett. Ralph seems to be a very progressive young 
man for a farmer. 

Susan. I suppose so. But I ain't got much time for these 
"progressive young men" as you call them if he's one. I see 
that he's gettin' pretty thick with your Mary, and I want to tell 
you that there are some pretty queer stories floatin' around about 
what he done when he was up to the city to school. 

Mrs. Bennett. I never heard anything against Ralph. 

Susan. You ain't in a position to hear things like me. I'm 
a workin' girl earnin' my livin' by my needle from house to 
house, and I hear a lot of things. 

Mrs. Bennett. I don't like to gossip, but I am interested in 
what you have heard about Ralph. 

Susan. Well, it ain't anything you can put your finger on, 
but I heard on good authority, tho' I ain't mentionin' no names, 
that he run round with a waiter girl up there, one, you know, like 
that Flossie that waits on table at the hotel that every one is 
talkin' about. But I come to see how you're going to have your 
new dress made. 

Mrs. Bennett. I'm afraid that it won't be a new dress this 
spring for me. We need the money for so many other things. 
I saw a pattern in the Ladies' Home Journal that I thought I 



PARTNERS 15 

might be able to use in making over my old blue poplin. I'll get 
the book if you will excuse me. 

{Exit Mrs. Bennett, R.) 

{Enter Iohn, L.) 

John. Hello, Miss Riggs. Where is ma? 

Susan. She went into the house for a pattern. I didn't 
see you at Sunday School yesterday. 

John. Nope, wasn't there. Had a lot better time where I 
was. Guess I ain't going to Sunday School any more. 

Susan. You, a preacher's son, talkin' like that ! I'll tell your 
mother on you. 

John. I bet you will. Like as not you will tell everybody 
else in town, too, but I don't care. {Takes bobbin from work 
basket.) 

Susan. The impudence of these preacher's children. 

John. We're worse than a workin' girl that earns her living 
with her needle from house to house. Don't you think so, Miss 
Riggs? {Slips bobbin down her neck.) 

{During the bobbin scene John is up R. convulsed with 
laughter.) 

{Enter Mrs. Bennett, R.) 

Mrs. Bennett. Here is the pattern. I thought I could buy 
a few yards of new material and work it in with the old like that 
{showing book). 

Susan. Huh ! Well, maybe it can be done. {Becoming ex- 
cited.) Oh, Mrs. Bennett, I've got a worm down my back! 

Mrs. Bennett. Where is it? 

Susan. Here ; I must have got it off this tree. Take it off ! 
Oh, take it off! 

Mrs. Bennett. You'll have to unbutton your collar. I can't 
reach it. 

Susan. I can feel it crawling. Oh, my heart, my poor weak 
heart ! 

Mrs. Bennett. Is this the place? 

Susan. Yes, right there by my shoulder. I'll drop dead in 
my tracks if you don't get it soon. 

Mrs. Bennett {pulling out sewing machine bobbin). Is this 
bobbin it? 

Susan. Huh ! What a scare it gave me. The doctor says I 
have such a weak heart I may drop off any minute. 

{Exit John, R.) 

Mrs. Bennett. How do you suppose it ever got there? 

Susan. One of the Boardman twins took it out of the 
drawer. I told him to let it alone and I s'pose he put in down 
my back to spite me. They're awful bad brought up kids. 

Mrs. Bennett. How many yards do you think it will take 
for this? 



16 PARTNERS 

Susan. I should say three would do it. But I must be 
goin' ; I'll come next Thursday if that will be all right. 

Mrs. Bennett. Yes, that will be convenient. Good-bye, 
Susan. 

Susan. Good-bye. I must go home and take some pain- 
killer for my heart. 

{Exit Susan, L.) 
(Enter Mary with letters, L.) 
Mary. I've been down to the post office for the mail.. Here 
are -two letters for you and one for father. (Sits on bench, L.) 
(Business of opening letters.) 

Mrs. Bennett. This is from that vacuum cleaning company 
again. How I wish we would afford to get one of these clean- 
ers. It would save so much work. 

Mary. But we can't, mother, dear. A minister's wife must 
deny herself all of the luxuries of life, you know. It makes me 
furious sometimes to think how hard father works, and how 
little he gets for it. 

Mrs. Bennett. But the congregation can't afford to give 
him any more, you know. 

Mary. I should think he would pack up and go to a city 
jhurch. He could get twice the salary he gets here. 

Mrs. Bennett. I think he will as soon as John gets a little 
older. He has an aversion to bringing up boys in the city. I 
sometimes think, though, that the influences are worse in small 
towns than in cities. There's absolutely nothing for boys to do. 
But what is your letter about? You seem to be very much in- 
terested. 

Mary. It's from Mr. Wendell. He wants to come down for 
the week-end and get his answer. 

Mrs. Bennett. His answer? (Rises and crosses to Mary.) 

Mary. Yes, he wants a definite answer to the question he 
asked me some time ago. 

Mrs. Bennett (putting her arm around her). And what an- 
swer will my little girl give? 

Mary. I don't know; but how can you call me a little girl, 
mother, when I have two suitors. 

Mrs. Bennett. Two? Who is the other? 

Mary. Ralph. 

Mrs. Bennett. Ralph Price, does he count? 

Mary. I'm afraid he does, — a little. 

Mrs. Bennett. I'm very glad, dear, that it is only a little. 

Mary. Why, Mumsie, don't you like Ralph? 

Mrs. Bennett. Yes, but not for a husband for my little 
daughter. 

Mary. Why? 

Mrs. Bennett. For several reasons. In the first place, I- 
can't bear to think of: you as a farmer's wife. You know how 
hard they have to work. Then, as- a farmer's wife, you would 
have no social standing. 



PARTNERS 17 

Mary. That wouldn't count much with me. 
Mrs. Bennett. You don't know. Ralph is not a member of 
our church ; there would always be a religious difference between 
you. To have perfect harmony in a home the husband and wife 
must agree on the great essentials of life. 

Mary. But you know, dear, that Ralph is a Christian. 
Mrs. Bennett. Now the other man has money, social posi- 
tion and is with us in belief. Life with him would be much easier 
for my little girl. 

Mary. I don't know as an easy life appeals to me. The 
quality I admire most in Ralph is his strength, his ability to "put 
things^ across," as he calls it. Look what he has done on his 
father's farm. See what an influence he is already in his neigh- 
borhood. x 

Mrs. Bennett. Yes, he's a hard worker, and he would ex- 
pect his wife to work hard, too. All the Prices have been great 
workers. Do you want to slave like his mother has done? 
Mary. I can't believe Ralph would expect it of his wife. 
Mrs. Bennett. I'm not so sure. "Like father, like son," you 
know. Then there is another great reason why I object to 
Ralph. I didn't intend to tell you about it, but as your mother 
I think you should know. {Hesitates.) 

Mary. What is it mother? Tell me. (Pulls her down on 
bench.) 

Mrs. Bennett. Susan Riggs has just been here. Going as 
she does from house to house — 

Mary. I know, — "earning her living with her .needle" — 
Mrs. Bennett. She hears a good many things that never 
come to our ears. 

Mary. Is it something about Ralph? I won't believe it. 
Mrs. Bennett. Listen. There are some stories going the 
rounds about him when he was in the city. I didn't inquire into 
it, but she implied that while he was away he got mixed up with 
a waiter girl, — one with a bad reputation. 

Mary (rising and walking back and forth). I can't believe it. 
It isn't like him. I won't believe it. It is some more of Susan 
Riggs' gossip. I won't believe it. (Breaks down crying.) 

Mrs. Bennett. There, there, dear, don't take it so hard. 
Everything will turn out for the best. (Putting arm around 
her.) Let's go into the house and answer our letters. 

(Exeunt Mrs. Bennett and Mary, R.) 

(Enter Mr. Bennett and Ralph, L.) 

Ralph. My plan is to have the two churches unite, as I said 
before, and work together. You could preach for the two con- 
gregations, and instead of our having two poorly paid ministers 
in the town, there would be one on a living wage.. 

Mr. Bennett. That sounds attractive. My boy will soon be 



18 PARTNERS 

ready for college; with my present salary I see no possibility of 
ever sending him. But do you think that your congregation 
would ever agree to the plan? 

Ralph. I believe so. I wanted your consent first before I 
took up the matter with them. Your people will, of course, 
agree, as they retain their own pastor. If my plans work out, 
we will be obliged to remodel the church buildings. We need 
class rooms, a kitchen, and dining room for serving church din- 
ners, and a large recreation room. 

Mr. Bennett. You've got the new ideas, all right. Now the 
point is to make us old fogies adopt them. 

Mrs. Bennett {calling). Father, can you come in a minute? 
Mrs. Peterson wants to see you. 

{Enter Mrs. Bennett, R.) 
Mr. Bennett. Certainly. You will excuse me, Ralph. 
{Exit Mr. Bennett, R.) 

Ralph. Good evening, Mrs. Bennett. Is Mary at home? 

Mrs. Bennett. Yes, but she isn't feeling very well tonight. 

Ralph. I'm sorry. I wanted to see her especially. Is it 
anything serious? . 

Mrs. Bennett. Oh, no. But I guess you had oetter wait 
until some other time. • 

Ralph. Very well. Please tell her that I called. {Turns 

{Exit Mrs. Bennett, R.) 
{Enter Mary, R.) 

Mary. Oh, don't go, Ralph. I want to see you. 

Ralph. Well, I should say I won't go. What is it? 

Mary. Oh, nothing. 

Ralph. Come and sit down. I believe we can nnd some- 
thing to talk about. {They sit on bench, L.) 

{Enter Fred, R., looking over his shoulder. He discovers tool 
box and crawls unseen into it.) 

Ralph. I was just discussing with your father plans for unit- 
ing the two churches. 

Mary. Do you think that it will work? 

Ralph. Sure it will. It has in other communities, why not 

Mary. You are so enthusiastic, Ralph. 

{Enter Mr. Schmitt with whip, L.) 
Mr Schmitt. Have you seen my poy, Fred? 
Mary {rising). No, Mr. Schmitt, he isn't here. {Fred peeps 

° U Mr Schmitt. Are you sure he ain't hiding 'round some- 
vere with that imp of a brother of yours? 



PARTNERS 19 

Mary {indignantly). No, indeed! How can you speak so of 
John ? 

Mr. Schmitt. Veil, he's led my poy astray. He vas a good 
poy until he got to running with your John. 

Ralph. Why do you throw all the blame on one of the boys ? 
(Rising.) That's not playing fair. 

Mr. Schmitt. You know how I found him yesterday. I 
took him home and sent him up to his room to stay until I could 
deal mit him. I didn't vant to break the Sabbath. This morn- 
ing I found he vas gone, — skipped out. I can't find hide or hair 
of him. 

Mary. And you think that we are hiding him in the parson- 
age? 

Mr. Schmitt (snapping whip). Yes, unt you'd better bring 
him out. The sooner he deals mit me, the better for him. 

Ralph. Now, Mr. Schmitt, aren't you going too far? Mary 
has just told you that he isn't here. (Taking whip from him.) 
You surely don't intend to whip a great boy like Fred. He is 
almost a man grown. Leave the whip here. If Fred comes, I 
promise to bring him home to you. 

Mr. Schmitt. Do you think you can do it? 

Ralph. I'll do my best, and I'm pretty sure I can. 

Mr. Schmitt. Oh, the trials of a father. It takes the ba- 
tience of Job to pring up a poy these days. 

(Exit Mr. Schmitt, L.) 

Ralph. Poor old deacon. I'm sorry for him. He doesn't 
understand Fred. (They sit. Fred peeps out of box.) 

Mary. Do you think he will whip him ? 

Ralph. Let's hope not. I am so anxious to get started in 
this new community work for our boys. Fred would make a 
splendid Boy Scout, and John, too. 

Mary. I've thought of starting a Campfire group for the 
girls. 

Ralph. Excellent idea! It is a great satisfaction to me to 
know that we can work so well together. As husband and wife — 

Mary (interrupting). I never said that I would work in that 
way. 

Ralph. But you're going to, you know. 

Mary. Your old habit, Ralph, of taking things for granted. 
Tell me, did you ever go with a waitress when you were at the 
School of Agriculture? 

Ralph. A what? 

Mary. A waitress — a girl who waited on the table in a 
restaurant or hotel. 

Ralph. I used to go out with one of the girls who waited on 
the table in the dining room. What of it? 

Mary. Oh, nothing. 

Ralph. She was a fine girl, sister of my roommate. 

Mary (rising). I think I must go in now. 



20 PARTNERS 

Ralph {rising and taking her hand). What's the matterV 
What have I done? 

Mary (pulling away hand). Nothing, only if you want a 
wife to help you in this new community scheme of yours, you'd 
better get the waitress. 

(Exit Mary, R.) 

Ralph (dropping into seat). For heaven's sake, what have I 
done? A. waitress? (Fred peeps cautiously out of box; seeing 
no one, he gets out, goes tozuard house and whistles; Ralph slips 
behind tree ; Fred whistles again; John puts his head out of win- 
dow and whistles.) 

Fred. Is the coast clear? 

John. Yep, I'll be down in a jiffy. 

(Enter John, R.) 

Fred. Will anyone catch us? 

John. Na, father is talking with old lady Peterson and she 
never knows when to go. Mother and Sis are upstairs writ- 
ing letters. 

Fred. Did you get a lickin'? 

John. No. Dad just talked to me, and then mother talked 
some more, and then Sis. She made me feel the worst. 

Fred. Why? 

John. I dunno. I guess it's because she loves me. I don't 
think dad does. Guess he'll be glad when I skin out. I kinda 
hate to leave mother and sis. 

Fred. I haven't had my lickin' yet; but it's coming all right. 

John. Your father? 

Fred. Sure. He got the buggy whip, and I knew darned 
well what was coming. I beat it. 

John. Where did you go? 

Fred. I walked out to Aunt Mirandy's and stayed with her 
all day. She hasn't got a 'phone. I don't darst go back home. 
Pa'll be awful mad. 

John. You needn't go home. Tonight we shake the dust 
from our feet and go out to seek our fortunes. 

Fred. Gosh, are you going to be a preacher some day? 

John. Not if I know it. I'm going to be the kind of a 
man that can earn money. Now you go round to the back of the 
house, and I'll let down my grip on a rope I have. 

Fred. Yes. 

John. Then come round here and wait for me. 

Fred. Have you got the money ? 

John. No, but dad put it in the bottom drawer of his desk. 
You go round and get the grip, and I'll meet you here. 

(Exeunt John into house, Fred behind house, R.) 

Ralph (stepping out). Something interesting happening 
here. Guess I'll see it through. 



PARTNERS 21 

(Enter Susan Riggs, L.) 

Susan. Good evening. Oh, it's Ralph. I thought it was 
Mr. -Bennett. 

Ralph. I think he is in the house. You had better go in. 

Susan. No I'll just set here and cool off a minute before I 
go in. (Sits.) 

Ralph. It is very warm, but — 

Susan. Yes, and houses are so hot in the summer time. 
I'm always glad to get a chance to get out into the fresh air. 
(Fans herself.) 

Ralph. You must find your work rather confining. 

Susan. That I do. But you see I'm a poor lone girl with- 
out a man to support me and I must earn my livin' with my 
needle — 

Ralph (interrupting) . Don't you think they will want to see 
you in the house? 

Susan. I guess they're in no hurry. I want to talk with you 
about this new scheme of yours to join ours and the Stone 
Church together. 

Ralph. So it's being discussed, is it? 

Susan. Yes, and I want to tell you right q.ow it will never 
work. I heard, but I don't want to mention no names, but from 
those that know — 

Ralph (interrupting) . I'm sorry, but don't you think you had 
better go into the house? 

Susan. Oh, now I see. You're waitin' to meet Mary out 
here and you don't want me around. (Rising.) I'll go right in. 
I won't be no chaperone. 

Ralph. That's very kind of you, Miss Riggs. 

Susan. Young people are pretty fond of their own com- 
pany— 

Ralph. You don't understand — 

Susan (interrupting) . But I want to tell you one thing. 

Ralph (impatiently). Yes — 

Susan. I've been told on good authority, though I ain't men- 
tionin' no names, that your chances with Mary Bennett are 
mighty small. 

.Ralph (Sarcastically) . That's an interesting bit of gossip. 

Susan. There's a rich young fellow in Minneapolis has his 
eye on her. 

Ralph. So? Who is he? 

Susan. Well, I ain't mentionin' no names. I just thought 
I'd tell you. Good-bye. 

(Exit Susan, R.) 

Ralph. Huh ! (John zvhistles at zvindozv. Fred appears 
around house as Ralph steps behind tree.) 

(Enter John, R.) 

FrF.n. Did you get it? 



22 PARTNERS 

John. Yep, here it is, all right. 

Fred. How much? 

John. I haven't counted it, but it's enough to give us a start. 
See how heavy it is. {Holds out bag of money.) 

Fred. Come on, let's beat it; dad may. come. (They start 
to go.) 

Ralph (coming out). Wait a minute, boys. 

John. Can't; we're in a hurry. 

Ralph (catching hold of John zvho struggles to get away). 
Don't make a noise. 

John. Let me go, I say. 

Ralph. I'll take this. (Forcing him to give up bag.) 

John. Give that here, darn you. That's mine. 

Ralph. It's not yours, either. Do you want me to have you 
arrested for stealing? 

John (frightened). Arrested! 

Ralph. Yes, I said arrested. Fred, don't you dare to run 
away. (Fred stops, L.) I want to talk to both of you. 

Fred. We weren't going to do anything. 

Ralph. I know all about it. Now the first thing for you to 
do, John, is to take this money back to your father's study and 
put it in the desk where it belongs. Go now. 

(Exit John, R.) 

Fred. Say, Ralph, you won't tell dad about this, will you? 
(Comes to C.) He'll half kill me if he finds it out. 

Ralph. No, Fred, I'm no telltale. I'll keep still if you will 
do your part. 

Fred. What do you want me to do? 

Ralph. Wait till John comes back, and then I'll tell you. 

(Enter John, R.) 

Ralph. Did you put it back ? 

John. Sure. I don't want to go to jail. 

Ralph. Nor do I want to send you. I want to talk this over 
with you. Why are you stealing this money? 

John. We weren't stealing, — just borrowing it until we could 
get to the city and earn some more. 

Fred. Then we were goin' to send it back ; sure, Ralph. 

Ralph. What did you plan to do next? 

John. Go west and be cow-boys. We're dead sick of this 
old town. 

Ralph. I realize as much as you fellows that this town is 
mighty slow. There isn't much fun here for boys. 

Fred. You bet. We know that only too blamed well. 

Ralph. Now what I want you two fellows to do is to help 
me wake it up. I need two live wires, one in the country and 
one in town, and I believe you are live enough for the job. 

John (disgustedly). Ah, there's nothing doing here. 

Ralph. You're right. Now let's start something livelv Ynu 
want to go West for adventure. I believe there are as big ob- 



PARTNERS 23 

stacles to overcome here as on the Western plains. In the first 
place we need a good baseball team in town, a strong team that 
can clean up those fellows from Warren and Sibley. That's the 
first thing. Do you kids play ball? 

Fred. You bet. 

John. Sure thing. 

Ralph. The next thing is to organize a band of Boy Scouts 
for camping or long hikes; or better still Boy Cavaliers, boys 
who ride about the country on horseback and win honors by 
doing things worth while on the farm. -_ 

Fred. That's great. 

Ralph. You'll want to go West, — every boy does. But when 
you get out there, you don't want to be called a "tenderfoot," do 
you? You can learn how to ride and shoot right here. 

John. Say, that would be dandy. 

Ralph. There are a lot of other ways I want you to help in 
waking up the town. But it's awfully hot. Come on down to 
the store and have some ice-cream with me while we talk it over. 

John. Hurrah ! 

Fred. I'm afraid I'll have to go home. 

Ralph. Don't worry, I saw your dad, and I told him I'd 
come home with you. See, he left his buggy whip behind. 

Fred. You're a cracker-jack, all right, Ralph. 

Ralph. And you're going to be my pals. Shake. (They 
shake hands.) Come on now. Hurrah for the ice-cream! 

(Exeunt Ralph, Fred, John, L.) 

(Enter Mary, R., unseen, she watches them go off the stage; 

then drops on bench.) 

Mary. A waitress. (Buries face in hands as curtain goes 
down.) 

(Curtain.) 



ACT III 

Scene, room in the new community church. Walls decorated 
zvith appropriate pictures. Library table C. Book cases up R. 
with vases on them. Window C. Chairs near window and R. and 
L. of table. Doors R. L. Fred and John discovered in baseball 
suits, trying on baseball shoes. 

Fred. Do they fit? 

John (trying them). No, they hurt like the Dickens. I can't 
wear them. 

Fred (taking his off). Try these. 

John. What will you wear? 

Fred. I'll try the others. (Boys exchange shoes. Fred puts 
his foot on the table to tie shoe.) 

John. You lead the Bible class tomorrow, don't you? 

Fred. Yes. 



24 PARTNERS 

John. What is the lesson about? 

Fred. One of the Y. M. C. A. Secretaries is coming out to 
talk to us on Boys' problems. 

John. Good ! I'm going to ask him a lot of questions. 

Fred. We've got to play our cracken best today. Ralph will 
be awfully disappointed if we lose this game. 

John. He has worked like a corker to get us in trim for it. 
How about the corn you entered for the corn contest? 

Fred. Ralph says it is the best that has been brought -in so 
far. 

John. Gee! I hope you win that prize. 

Fred. You'd better say "we win." You helped me a lot with 
that corn. Did Mary come home for the celebration? 

John. Yes, she came yesterday. I'm glad that she is going 
to be here to see me play. 

Fred. She's been gone an awfully long time, hasn't she? 

John. Yes, my aunt in Minneapolis thinks she needs her 
worse than ma does. Then she has a chance to take music. She 
says that she is going to take charge of the choir if she ever 
comes home to stay. 

Fred. Good! {looking out of window). Just look at the 
automobiles and teams coming in. Gee ! the whole county has 
turned out. 

John. Why shouldn't they? We're the first church that ever 
had a Harvest Festival. 

{Enter Ralph, R.) 

Ralph. Hello, fellows. 

Boys. Hello, Ralph. 

Ralph. Are you ready for the game ? 

Fred. You bet. 

Ralph. Now look here, boys. You've got to play your best 
today. We've got to trim up that bunch in good shape, and they 
have some pretty foxy players. 

John. We know that blamed well. 

Ralph {patting John on the shoulder). I know one thing; 
you're a lot better pitcher than their man ; but he's as quick as 
chain lightning on his balls. Don't ever take your eye off of 
him. 

John. You bet I won't. 

Ralph. You, Fred, watch out for the signals. Where are the 
other fellows? 

Fred. They're down in the dressing room getting into their 
clothes. 

Ralph. Come on down. I want to talk to you all together. 

{Exit Ralph and Fred, L.) 
{John stops to pick Up some shoe boxes.) 
'. {Enter Mary, R.) 
Mary. How well you look in your suit, John. It's hard for 



PARTNERS 25 

me to realize that the little brother I left two years ago is now 
this big athlete. 

John. Now I'm the champion baseball twister of the county, 
see — (throwing an imaginary ball). 

Mary (giving him a hug). You've got to win out today. You 
know I came all the way from Minneapolis to see you do it. 

John. You bet I will. Got to go now, Ralph wants me. 

(Exit John, L.) 

Mary. I don't count when Ralph wants you. (Looking long- 
ingly after him.) It's my brother now. (Sitting in a dejected 
way.) Oh, dear! 

(Enter Susan Riggs, R.) 

Susan (shaking hands). Why how do you do, Mary. I'm 
right glad to see you back. We've missed you. 

Mary. Thanks. I'm glad to be here even for a short visit. I 
am so interested in the new church movement. 

Susan. Ain't you going to stay? 

Mary. No, Aunty needs me, and mother thinks that I have 
advantages in the city I can't have here, — my music, — you know. 

Susan, Yes, I heard about it. 

Mary. I'm wild to stay though. John is so enthusiastic, and 
I never saw father so happy and contented. . He feels that he is 
really doing something worth while for his people. 

Susan. Too bad old Deacon Schmitt is holding out so hard 
against the united church. 

Mary. I hadn't heard about that. 

Susan. Haven't you ? He hasn't been since we moved the 
church buildings together and started to build them over. Folks 
say, but I ain't mentionin' no names, that it's because he is afraid 
he will have to give some money to it. 

Mary. That's too bad. Fred seems to be taking a great in- 
terest. 

Susan. Yes, Fred Schmitt is head over heels into every- 
thing. He's president of the young people's society and of the 
juvenile department of the Farmers' Club. He's Ralph Price's 
right hand man. 

Mary. I'm glad of that. So you brought your sewing with 
you, Susan. s 

Susan. I'm a poor lone workin' girl earnin' my livin' by 
my needle, and I couldn't afford to lose a whole day even for a 
harvest festival. 

Mary. Well, go right on. What are you making? 

Susan. A dress for Lucy Williams. She's home from the 
city for a month. There's some pretty queer stories going the 
rounds about Lucy — I ain't mentionin' no names, but I have it on 
good authority that Lucy — 

Mary (interrupting) . Susan, why will you listen to the gos- 
sip that goes the rounds? Half the time it's not true. 



26 PARTNERS 

Susan. Well, as I said, I heard it from some one who knows 
what she's talkin' about — 

Mary. Listen, Susan, do you know that I believe that this 
malicious gossip which seems so harmless, causes more trouble 
than any other evil? 

Susan (indignantly). What do you mean? 

Mary. Just what I say. Let me tell you a little story. (Sit- 
ting on table.) I knew a girl once who loved a man very dearly, 
and he loved her dearly, as well. She was just at the point of 
promising to marry him, which meant happiness for both of them, 
when someone started a story about the young man. It reached 
the ears of the girl who loved him, and she gave him up. 

Susan. Perhaps it was the best thing for her. 

Mary. But it was not. The story wasn't true. They accused 
the young man of having an affair with a low down, common 
girl, — a waitress. 

Susan. Well — 

Mary. Afterward I — I mean the young lady met this wait- 
ress, she was studying music of the same teacher, and found that 
she was not common at all but a very sweet, little country girl. 
She was only waiting on tables so that she might be near her 
brother who was in college. 

Susan. Did she marry the man? 

Mary. No, (rising). She never intended to marry him. 
They were just good friends. He had told her all about the girl 
he loved. So you see, Susan, two lives were made unhappy be- 
cause of this malicious gossip. 

(Enter John, L.) 

John. Come on, Sis, we're ready to begin. 
Mary. I'll be there in a minute, dear, — I promised to get the 
flowers for the tables. 

(Exit John, R.) 

Susan. I don't see why they asked me to arrange them. 
Mary. Because you are a dressmaker, they knew that you 
had good taste. See? (Going to door. L.) I must hurry or I 
will miss the game. 

(Exit Mary, L.) 
(Enter Mr. Bennett, R.) 

Mr. Bennett. How do you do, Miss Riggs (shaking hands) 
have you seen Mrs. Bennett? 

Susan. No, but Mary was here a minute ago. She's just 
gone to get some flowers. 

Mr. Bennett. Do you think you could find something for the 
boys to drink? 

Susan. Boys, what boys? 

Mr. Bennett. The boys who are playing ball. 

Susan (rising and putting doum her sezving). I s'pose I can 
get 'em some water. 



PARTNERS 27 

Mr. Bennett. I — I'm afraid that would hardly answer the 
purpose. They should have some lemonade or some — 

Susan. Mr. Bennett, has everyone in town, even you, gone 
crazy over that ball game. (Taking up saving.) I ain't got no 
time to squeeze lemons and make lemonade. Water is plenty 
good enough for anyone. 

Mr. Bennett. But the exercise makes them so dry — 

Susan. I'm trying to finish this dress for Lucy. I'm in an 
awful hurry. But there are some of the women out there in 
the kitchen gettin' supper. Maybe they have time to make 
lemonade. 

(Exit Mr. Bennett, R.) 

Susan. Huh ! Lemonade ! 

(Enter Ralph excitedly, L.) 

Ralph. I'm glad to find you Susan. One of the boys has 
cut his hand. Can't you make me a bandage? 

Susan. A bandage ! What next ? No, I'm no red cross 
nurse. 

Ralph. I just want some strips of clean white cloth, anything 
will do. (Tries to tear a piece from the dress.) 

(Enter Mr. Bennett with some bottles of ginger ale, R.) 

Susan (pulling it away). I haven't any cloth, I tell you, for 
bandages. This is Lucy's "dress. 

Mr. Bennett. Do you want bandages? This will do nicely. 
(Pulls out clean handkerchief. Ralph tears it into strips.) 

Susan (picking up bottle and looking at it). Mr. Bennett, I 
am shocked ! 

Mr. Bennett (showing label on bottle). See, this is only 
ginger ale, 

Susan. Ginger ale ! As if good cold water wasn't plenty 
good enough for anybody ! 

(Exit Mr. Bennett and Ralph, R.) 

(Enter Mrs. Bennett, L., with a dish of apples.) 

Mrs. Bennett. Good afternoon, Susan. Busy as usual. 
Aren't you going to the game? (Begins paring apples.) 

Susan. No, I've got to finish this dress for Lucy Williams. 
People are always naggin' at us dressmakers to get their work 
done at the last minute. I should think they would know a little 
ahead of time when they had to have a new dress. 

Mrs. Bennett. That is too bad to miss the game. 

Susan. Oh, I don't care much, no how. I don't see any sense 
in knockin' a ball round with a club and then runnin' after it. 

Mrs. Bennett. It gives the boys something to do and keeps 
them interested. John gets so excited over the games that he 
can hardly eat or sleep. (Shouting outside.) 

Susan. I was talkin' to Mrs! Parker about John just the 
other day, and I said I believed he was goin' to turn out just as 
fine a man as his father. 



28 PARTNERS 

Mrs. Bennett. We hope so. 
_ Susan. There was a time, a year or so back, when people 
said, I ain't mentionin' no names, but they inferred that John was 
gettin' a little wild. 

Mrs. Bennett. That was before Ralph got the boys inter- 
ested in this Community Church movement. He has had a re- 
markable influence on the boys. 

Susan. Some people are sayin', — I ain't mentionin' no names, 
— but some of the older members are afraid that Ralph is mixin' 
too many outside things with his religion, — farmers' clubs and 
picnics and co-operative markets and suppers and such things. 

Mrs. Bennett. They needn't worry about that. Mr. Bennett 
and I have studied the situation very carefully and we find a 
strict adherence to religious principles comes first in Ralph's 
work. He has a wonderful Bible class for the boys. I just wish 
you could visit it. The boys take turns in leading, and they are 
working on the problems which come into boys' lives. They are 
using the great fundamental teachings of Christ for their stand- 
ards. 

Susan. Mr. Bennett's people say he is preachin' better ser- 
mons than he used to, — not that his sermons were always good 
enough. 

Mrs. Bennett. He has a better audience now. There is an 
inspiration to give them his very best. 

{Enter Mary, L,, loaded zvith flozvers.) 

Mary. Here are the flowers. Aren't they beautiful? How I 
miss our garden in the city. Aunty lives, you know, in an 
apartment. 

Susan. Did you enter any flowers for the flower show ? 

Mrs. Bennett. No, I didn't. 

Mary. What flower show ? That sounds very 'cosmopolitan. 

Mrs. Bennett. I didn't tell you that we are having in con- 
nection with our Harvest Festival an exhibition. Prizes are of- 
fered for the best flowers as well as fruit and vegetables. 

Susan. Yes, and corn and potatoes, too. 

Mary. How splendid ! 

Mrs. Bennett. They are giving prizes for the best bread and 
cake. The new domestic science teacher has worked up a great 
interest in cooking and sewing. 

Mary. Did you say she was a friend of Ralph's ? 

Mrs. -Bennett. Yes, they went to school together. 

Susan. Some folks say that he is going to marry her., 

{Enter John, R.) 

John. Why Sis ; I thought you wanted to see the game. 
We've played four innings already. 

Mrs. Bennett. What is the score? 

John. Haven't made any yet. Come on quick. (Takes her 
arm and pulls her.) 



PARTNERS 29 

{Exeunt John and Mary, R.) ■ 

Susan (putting down sewing). I might as well get to work. 
How many tables are we going to have. 

Mrs. Bennett. First, of course, there is the speakers' table. 
(Getting vase.) We will give them this big vase 

Susan (arranging flowers). Are we going to have speeches? 

Mrs. Bennett. Yes, indeed. Each department has appointed 
a representative. Mr. Barnes will speak for the deacons ; the 
Sunday School will be represented by the superintendent and the 
young people's society by their president ; Mr. Boyd, the farmers' 
club. 

Susan. Well, now, that will be interesting. Do you know, 
Mrs. Bennett, ever since we have been havin' these suppers to- 
gether, I feel as if the whole community was one big family. 

Mrs. Bennett. I believe, Susan, that that is the way Chris- 
tians should be, "brethren in Christ." 

Susan. It's a great comfort for a poor lone workin' girl, 
who has to earn her livin' with her needle from house to house, to 
feel that she belongs to some one. (Wipes eyes.) 

Mrs. Bennett. I am glad to know that we are a help to you. 
(Changing subject.) How will this vase do for the young peo- 
ple's table? 

Susan. You know that poor, little Mrs. Prouty who lost her 
cripple boy, — she told me when I made her mournin' dresses, that 
she never could have lived through her trouble if the people 
hadn't been so kind to her. She said they were just like her 
own folks. 

Mrs. Bennett. That is the way Christian people living to- 
gether should be. We are getting a little nearer to the standards 
Christ set for us. (Shouting outside.) 

Susan (going to the window). Dear me, that must.be an 
excitin' game. (Clasping her hands in fright). Oh, Mrs! Ben- 
nett, oh, Law me ! 
(A crozvd of women enter L and run across stage going out R.) 

Mrs. Bennett. What is it? 

Susan. A horse is runnin' away in this crowd. Oh, someone 
will be killed! (Shouting outside': whoa, zvhoa.) 

Susan (dropping into chair). Oh, my poor, weak heart! I'll 
die, I know I'll die! (Outside: zvhoa, zvhoa.) 

Mrs. Bennett (going to window). It's all right; a man has 
grabbed the bit. (Outside: whoa, zvhoa.) He is jerking on the 
reins, — now the horse is stopping. - 

Susan. Is anyone hurt? 

Mrs. Bennett. No, I don't think so. The driver has been 
pulled forward on the dashboard. I can't see his face. Why, it's 
Ralph who is holding the team. How strong he is ! My, that boy 
is a wonder. 

Susan. Whose team is it, do you know? 

Mrs. Bennett. They're helping out the driver. As sure as I 
live, if it isn't old Deacon Schmitt. 



30 . PARTNERS 

Susan. What? . 

Mrs. Bennett. And they are bringing him in here. 
Susan. Oh, is he dead? 

Mrs. Bennett. No, he can walk, so I guess he isn't badly 
hurt. We must get things ready for him. {Places a chair.) 

{Enter Mr. Bennett, R., followed by Mr. Schmitt supported by 
Ralph and Fred. They put him in the chair. Enter crowd 
of ladies.) 

Fred. Are you hurt much, father? 

Mr. Schmitt. I guess there are no pones proke. Just the 
vind knocked out of me some. 

Fred. How did it happen? 

Mr. Schmitt. De lines vas caught, and I couldn't get them 
loose. Then the horses they got frightened at somedings unt 
jerked me over the dashboard. 

Ralph. You had better go back into the game, Fred, they 
are waiting for you. I'll take care of your father. 

Mr. Schmitt. Vat is de schore? 

Ralph. A tie and this is the last inning. Tell the boys for me 
to get into the game hard and hold tight. Go on, Fred. 

{Exit Fred, R.) 

Mrs. Bennett. Can we do anything for you, Mr. Schmitt? 
Mr. Schmitt. No, I'll be all right as soon as I get my vind 
back. 

{Exit Mrs. Bennett followed by crowd of ladies. L.) 

Susan. It's a mercy, Deacon, that you weren't killed. You 
would have been dead this minute if it hadn't been for Ralph. I 
don't see how he ever stopped that team. 

Ralph. That was nothing, Miss Riggs. 

Mr. Schmitt. So you are the von who rushed in unt stopped 
the pesky brutes. I don't call that a small matter. 

Mr. Bennett. No, it takes a lot of nerve to risk one's life 
like that. Let me congratulate you on your courage. 

Ralph. Anyone would have done the same thing. I just 
happened to get there first. 

{Enter Mrs. Bennett, L.) 

Mrs. Bennett. They want the flowers for the table right 
away, Susan. 

Susan. Well, I have 'em about ready. 

{Exeunt Mrs. Bennett and Susan, L.) 
, Mr. Schmitt {rising). I am under great oblegations to you, 
Ralph, unt right here I vont to say vot I have had on my mind to 
say for a long time. I have been fighting hard this new com- 
munity church. I could not see how two churches that did not 
pelieve the same dings could vork together like von church. I 



PARTNERS 31 

tot there vould be nodings but quarrelings. I see now that I 
vos wrong, and you vas right, Ralph. 

Ralph. I'm mighty glad that you feel that way. 

Mr. Schmitt. I vont to thank you many times for what you 
did for my poy, Fred. I vos greatly vorried about that poy. 
Then you took him in hand and got him inderested in this new 
church. Now he is inderested in the farm, and vhat he can do 
in the house too to make it easier for the vomen folks. 

Ralph. Shaw, you are giving me more credit than I deserve. 

Mr. Bennett. You are not the only one who feels he owes 
a debt of gratitude to Ralph. There is not a father or mother 
either in the community but will admit that bringing up children 
here is a much less difficult task than it used to be. 

Mr. Schmitt (to Mr. Bennett). You, sir, I vont you to ex- 
cuse me for the tings I said to you when we met last. I vos so 
vorried about my poy Fred, I said vot I should not have said. 

Mr. Bennett (shaking hands). I was at fault myself. I 
was too hasty and I regret it. 

Ralph (putting his hand on theirs). Good! This is a splen- 
did reunion. Now I must go and see how the boys are coming. 

Mr. Schmitt. Von moment, Ralph. I hear that you are to 
have speeches at the supper here tonight. Vill you put me down 
for a speech ? I have somedings to tell my neighbors and friends. 

Ralph. Good ! I sure will, Mr. Schmitt. See you later. 
(Shouting outside.) 

(Exit Ralph, L.) 

Mr. Schmitt. Dat is von fine young man. I am broud that 
he is a member of my church. 

Mr. Bennett. Our church, now, you know, Mr. Schmitt. 
We are all working together for Christ and the upbuilding of 
His church. 

Mr. Schmitt. Yes, yes. Ve vill vork together for dat. 

(Enter Ralph, John and Fred, L.) 

Ralph. Congratulate your sons. They have won a victory 
over the Batters. Our team is now champion of the county. 
(Shouts of "hurrah" heard as Mr. Bennett shakes hands with 
John and Mr. Schmitt with Fred.) Now we are going to have 
an illustrated talk on packing and marketing fruit by one of the 
specialists from the Agricultural College. You mustn't miss it. 
We expect to organize a fruit growers' association. 

Mr. Schmitt. Ve vill go right away. Vere is it? 

Mr. Bennett. In our new auditorium. I will show you the 
way. (Takes his arm.) 

(Exeunt Mr. Bennett and Mr. Schmitt, R.) 

Ralph (patting boys on back). I'm more than proud of you. 
You've worked hard for that championship. 
Fred. That team was a corker. 
Ralph. Now go and get cleaned up. I don't want you to 



32 PARTNERS 

miss the lecture. (Shoves them out.) We'll talk over the game 
later. 

(Exeunt Fred and John, R.) 
(Enter Mary, L.) 

Mary. Oh, John. (Stops embarrassed.) I thought my 
brother was here. 

Ralph. He has gone down to change his clothes. (As she 
turns to go.) Aren't you going to speak to me? 

Mary. Of course, Ralph. I want to thank you for all you 
have done for my brother, and the help you have been to father, 
too. 

Ralph. Don't mention it. I am glad that you have come 
home. We need more helpers. 

Mary. But I'm not planning to stay. I am going back to 
Minneapolis. 

Ralph (looking longingly at her). I'm very sorry for that. 

Mary. How could I help if I — if I should stay? 

Ralph. In hundreds of ways. We need help with our music. 
We have lots of singers, but no one to train them. Then the 
girls are clamoring for a Campfire group, but we have no one 
who can act as guardian. 

Mary (offering her hand). I will stay and work with you 
too. 

Ralph (taking her hand). Do you mean it? 

(Enter Susan, L.) 

Susan. Oh, excuse me. I didn't mean to interrupt. I — I 
(backs out). 

Mary (with an embarrassed laugh). Now Susan will have 
a choice bit of gossip to retail. 

Ralph. Say, Mary, let's beat her to it. I don't have to go 
over the old ground again. I loved you before you went away, 
and I've kept right on loving you. Won't you come to me as my 
real helper, as I asked you to two years ago? 

Mary. Yes, Ralph, as — 

Ralph. As my wife. (Starts to lake her in his arms.) 

(Enter John and Fred, L.) 

John. Come on Ralph, you're missing the lecture. 

Ralph. All right, but before we go I want to tell you fellows 
some grand news. (Taking her hand.) We have a new partner 
now in building the Community Church. 

John. What! Sis? Hurrah! (He throws his arms around 
her as Fred shakes hands with Ralph.) 

Mary (coming to front of stage with Ralph on R. and Fred 
and John a little up L.) Now, friends, won't you too go into 
partnership and work with us to make life better worth living 
every day in the week, for every man, woman and child in the 
community ? 

(Curtain.) 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



018 602 733 4 • 



